Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
Lyme disease presents as a multisystemic infection characterized by early localized symptoms like the erythema migrans rash, followed by potential dissemination to the joints, heart, and nervous system if left untreated. Recognizing Early Warning Signs The hallmark of early Lyme disease is the erythema migrans, a "bullseye" skin rash that occurs in approximately 70-80% of infected individuals. Patients should also watch for flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes, which often appear within three to 30 days of a tick bite.
50 people with Lyme Disease have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
1
Which are the symptoms of Lyme Disease?
Symptoms of Lyme Disease reported by real patients, from the most common to the most limiting, plus a medically reviewed summary with sources.
Lyme disease presents as a multisystemic infection characterized by early localized symptoms like the erythema migrans rash, followed by potential dissemination to the joints, heart, and nervous system if left untreated.
Recognizing Early Warning Signs
The hallmark of early Lyme disease is the erythema migrans, a "bullseye" skin rash that occurs in approximately 70-80% of infected individuals. Patients should also watch for flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes, which often appear within three to 30 days of a tick bite. Because these symptoms are non-specific, they are frequently mistaken for viral illnesses.
Progression and Symptom Variation
If Lyme disease is not treated promptly, the infection can disseminate throughout the body. Early disseminated symptoms may include multiple secondary skin lesions, facial palsy (Bell’s palsy), severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Over weeks to months, patients may experience intermittent episodes of joint swelling and pain, particularly in the knees. In some cases, Lyme disease can manifest as Lyme carditis, leading to palpitations or dizziness due to heart rhythm disturbances.
Impact on Quality of Life
The most debilitating symptoms affecting daily quality of life are often chronic fatigue, cognitive "brain fog," and migrating musculoskeletal pain. These symptoms can be highly variable; some patients experience mild, transient discomfort, while others face persistent, life-altering limitations that impact their ability to work or maintain daily routines. The unpredictable nature of these symptoms is a significant source of distress for the Lyme disease community.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical evaluation if you develop a high fever, severe neck stiffness, difficulty breathing, or sudden palpitations following a known tick exposure or time spent in endemic areas. Early antibiotic intervention is the gold standard for preventing long-term complications of Lyme disease.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific symptoms and medical history.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Lyme Disease
- Orphanet: Portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs
Author: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Reviewed against authoritative medical sources (NIH GARD, Orphanet, OMIM)
Last updated: 2026-04-06
Medical disclaimer:
This information does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making health decisions.
Source:
DiseaseMaps.org
Brain fog. Immune system dysfunctionality. Sleep issues
גדעון
The chronic,excruciating, migrating, wide spread pain and multiple symptoms including; severe memory loss, unrelenting fatigue, severe neck soreness, daily severe vomiting migraine headaches and psychological torture by people who don't believe you exacerbated by the medical community's denial that multi system tick born illnesses accociated with Lyme Disease exists and dismissing you as crazy and making it all up in your head.
Posted Feb 26, 2017 by Suzy 850
fatigue
pain
difficulty thinking clearly
pain
difficulty thinking clearly
Posted Mar 24, 2017 by Julie 350
Twitching
Spasms
Light sensitivity
Noise sensitivity
Brain fog
Joint pain
Memory loss
Walking properly
Spasms
Light sensitivity
Noise sensitivity
Brain fog
Joint pain
Memory loss
Walking properly
Posted May 9, 2017 by Lynn 1000
How can I really answer this? There are sooooooooooooooo many issues with Lyme. When I have to fill out medical forms about what is going on with my health the list gets so long I actually get embarrassed. Lyme mimics over 300 conditions and diseases. We seemed back to the brim with problems with co infections added on to that.
So if I had to choose one thing to get rid of first it would the fatigue and dizziness . After that then the pain and stiffness that seems to be in every joint, muscle...even my teeth. Then sleep problems with my fevers, hot flashes and restless leg and arms. Then all the GI issues, then the brain fog and memory issues. Then my heart problems and air hunger. Then the lymphatic system and kidney issues.
So if I had to choose one thing to get rid of first it would the fatigue and dizziness . After that then the pain and stiffness that seems to be in every joint, muscle...even my teeth. Then sleep problems with my fevers, hot flashes and restless leg and arms. Then all the GI issues, then the brain fog and memory issues. Then my heart problems and air hunger. Then the lymphatic system and kidney issues.
Posted May 11, 2017 by Susan 1270
Migrating joint pain
Chronic fatigue Syndrome
Flu like/toxic feeling
Twitching muscles
Ear and eye sensitivity
Nausea
Herxheimer reactions - once in treatment
Stiff neck
Chronic fatigue Syndrome
Flu like/toxic feeling
Twitching muscles
Ear and eye sensitivity
Nausea
Herxheimer reactions - once in treatment
Stiff neck
Posted May 12, 2017 by Lorraine 1001
(skin) Rashes, EM, Fatigue, heart problems, brain fog, concentration and memory problems, muscle pain, joint pain, nerve pain, headaches, migraine, nauseous, dizziness,Hypersensitivity to light/sound, Itching, Hair loss, gain/lose weight, Paralysis symptoms, Facial paralysis, fevers, cold shivers, sweats, infections, Gland swelling, Sore throat, Tightness, cough, Shortness of breath, intolerance for alcohol (or some food), Stomach complaints, Abdominal pain, Loss of appetite, Constipation, diarrhea, Leaky gut syndrome, Chest pain, Swollen joints, Pain on muscle attachments (fibromyalgia), Tingling, dull spots, local burning or burning pain, Muscle cramps, muscular vibrations, Tremor, Inexplicable shocks, Eye/vision problems, Ear suits, woozy, Mood swings, irritability, Rage eruptions, depression, Anxiety attacks, Sleep problems (too much, or less), confusion, Orientation problems, Disturbance in Vitamin B12 balance,Talk problems, Irritated bladder, Sexual impairment, no sense in sex, Men: Pain in seedballs, woman: Milk fever from the chest, Unexplained irregular menstruation
Posted Jul 19, 2017 by A 800
Fatigue, brain fog, joint pain.
Posted Aug 16, 2017 by Deanna 2150
The crushing fatigue, speech and coordination issues, and heart palpitations were things I struggled with for years. It was when I started experiencing constant stomach pain and nausea that I was forced to find help. It didn't take a good doctor long to recognize that I had Lyme Disease.
Posted Aug 29, 2017 by missy 2050
Crawling feeling
Acid burning pain
Dizziness and vertigo
Brain fog
Acid burning pain
Dizziness and vertigo
Brain fog
Posted Aug 29, 2017 by sarah 100
The symptoms of Lyme are varied and tend to shift constantly making it difficult to pin down. The most obvious are debilitating tiredness and severe psin which often moves around the body. Other symptoms include numbness and tingling in extremities, trouble with temperature control, neorological symptoms includin anger and anxiety, headaches, distuption of menstrual cycle and digestive issues.
Posted Aug 30, 2017 by Alex 600
Fatigue is one of the most common, and most debilitating. Other symptoms may include peripheral neuropathy, weight change, itching, memory loss, mood swings, depression, loss of libido, vision changes, balance, dental health, insomnia, tics, chest cramps/spasms, panic attacks, and so much more!
Posted Aug 30, 2017 by S. Guthrie 2000
For me it's the nervepain, the brain fog and inability to detox and tolerate toxic substances (like sugar, alcohol, pollution). The neuropathy reacts to cold. So going outside in winter months can be a real hassle and feel like hell. It can be very debilitating, which leaves very few options.
Posted Aug 31, 2017 by Selina 200
Fatigue is the worst symptom I have.
Feel like I have slept most of my life.
Feel like I have slept most of my life.
Posted Aug 31, 2017 by Susan 800
Pain, nausea, neirological symptoms
Posted Sep 12, 2017 by Sheri 1100
Douleurs, vertiges, épuisement
Posted Sep 12, 2017 by Marie 100
Panick attacks
Deficiency of sleep
Pain
Hormones disfunction
Deficiency of sleep
Pain
Hormones disfunction
Posted Sep 15, 2017 by Gerben 100
depersonalization, especially when Im around my wife and kids or in a social setting because it makes me feel like I don't belong or fit in, often leading to thoughts of suicide. Pain, especially joint pain that keeps me awake at night. Anxiety and panic, then when I had air hunger my feelings of panic were much worse. Neorological symptoms, especially those that make it hard to function or be around other people, like Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, dizziness, vertigo, and hearing and vision disturbances. Tics that other people can see and instead of asking about it they treat you like your crazy or contagious. I have to add though over the past two years treatment has reduced the occurrence of my symptoms and I have hope for the future.
Posted Sep 15, 2017 by Marty 300
Pure exhaustion, due to adrenal fatigue. Joint pain. Brain fog. Gastrointestinal distress. The list could go on, but those are the ones that limit me most.
Posted Sep 28, 2017 by Lydia 300
being unable to walk brain fog pain
Posted Sep 28, 2017 by alan 200
Seziers and loseing control of your body
Posted Sep 28, 2017 by Darren 400
In a percentage of Lyme Disease sufferers, their autoimmune system "crashes". This, in my first hand experience, is what is erroneously referred to as "chronic" Lyme disease. Symptoms are profound fatigue, joint pain, mental confusion or inability to think and perform basic tasks, "air hunger", sun aversion, the list is long. The solutions are complex and require a specialist that works outside the medical mainstream. Self advocacy and taking control of your healing process are of utmost importance. There is no pill that will fix this.
neck pain , brain fog and achs
Posted Sep 29, 2017 by Sarah 2550
Neurological and heart
Posted Sep 29, 2017 by Katrina 2000
Neurological deficit
Head pain
Migrating joint aches
Head pain
Migrating joint aches
Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Sonya 2000
Flu like symptoms, Muscle Pain, Joint pain, Headache, Neck stiffness, Loss of short-term memory, Thinking and concentration problems, skipping Heart-beat, Spine pain, Burning and tingling in exteremities, Foot Pain, Eye Pain, Blurry vision, Brain Fog, Long-term fever, EM is not necessary, EM is just a proof there is Borellia burgoferi certainly in the body but less than 20% patients have it.
Posted Oct 9, 2017 by Jessie 1600
Leg pain bone and muscle insomnia, joint pain, sensitivity to light and sound, knee pain. Flu like symptoms, brain fog memory issues if I could get rid of any it would be bone and nerve pain
Posted Oct 25, 2017 by Andrea 2120
Lyme disease affects every part of the body. There's not a part that is not affected by this horrific disease. Neurological symptoms (memory loss, cognitive loss, brain fog, dizzy, headaches, etc.)
Joint pain (Lyme arthritis) - my fingers and toes are crooked and inflamed and very painful. It takes me often 10 minutes to tie my shoes. Every joint in my body has pain.
Muscle pain/cramps/contractures - most of us do not absorb the nutrients we need to feel calm and to have minerals/vitamins be absorbed to keep muscles relaxed. Every muscle and the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding the muscles is so tight that I feel bound all my waking hours.
High anxiety/panic attacks - again, this is caused by malabsorption of nutrients that keep healthy people calm
Eyes - my eyes have trouble focusing for a few hours every morning and they burn and itch
Gastrointestinal pain due to destruction of gut lining by antibiotics for many of us, so we must eat a highly restrictive diet that limits probably 90% of what healthy people eat.
I have hundreds of symptoms, like most people with chronic Lyme disease. I cannot possibly list them all, so I've listed just a few.
Getting rid of symptoms:
#1: abdominal pain and bloating due to destruction of gut lining from antibiotics
#2: get rid of all anxiety/panic attacks
#3: get rid of all arthritic pain in joints
#4: get rid of all muscle problems as listed above
#5: get rid of all neurological symptoms as listed above
Joint pain (Lyme arthritis) - my fingers and toes are crooked and inflamed and very painful. It takes me often 10 minutes to tie my shoes. Every joint in my body has pain.
Muscle pain/cramps/contractures - most of us do not absorb the nutrients we need to feel calm and to have minerals/vitamins be absorbed to keep muscles relaxed. Every muscle and the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding the muscles is so tight that I feel bound all my waking hours.
High anxiety/panic attacks - again, this is caused by malabsorption of nutrients that keep healthy people calm
Eyes - my eyes have trouble focusing for a few hours every morning and they burn and itch
Gastrointestinal pain due to destruction of gut lining by antibiotics for many of us, so we must eat a highly restrictive diet that limits probably 90% of what healthy people eat.
I have hundreds of symptoms, like most people with chronic Lyme disease. I cannot possibly list them all, so I've listed just a few.
Getting rid of symptoms:
#1: abdominal pain and bloating due to destruction of gut lining from antibiotics
#2: get rid of all anxiety/panic attacks
#3: get rid of all arthritic pain in joints
#4: get rid of all muscle problems as listed above
#5: get rid of all neurological symptoms as listed above
Posted Nov 4, 2017 by Lisa 500
Flu like symptoms, brain fog, panic attacks, POTS, seizures, neuropathy, nausea, joint pain, neuro issues including lesions, pain can be constant and severe, neck and back issues from spirochetes eating soft tissue, leaky gut syndrome, Bell’s palsy, erythema Migrans (bullseye at bite location), blood clots, tick paralysis, depersonalization, inability to shower due to increased pain, involuntary movements, blurred vision, tingling and numb fingers and hands, an uncontrollable need to lay down, possible strokes, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, thyroid issues like Hashimotos, Lyme carditis (inflaming the heart), diabetes or hypoglycemic, low Vit D, magnesium, and anemia especially with co-infection Babesia. Always get tested for co-infections and viruses since Lyme can reactivated many old viruses you once had especially any in the herpes group.
Posted Mar 9, 2018 by Niki 8100
More accurately what aren’t the symptoms. Symptoms vary from each person, but here are the more common ones: hip pain, brain fog, neck and back pain, arthritis, seizures, flu like symptoms, loss of words, depersonalization, tremors, POTS, diabetes, hypoglycemia, endometriosis, miscarriages, migraines, strokes, lesions in brain and spine, neuropathy, nausea, chronic pain constantly, sore throats, ringing ears, blood clots, bone loss, low vitamin D, Low Manganese, low magnesium, anemic, Raynaud’s Syndrome, EDS, CRPS, fibromyalgia and tons more
Posted Mar 14, 2018 by Nikolettie 2700
Wow, big answer for me symptoms of lyme happen to have given me major preload failure and autonomic failure. So my heart isn’t pumping properly due to my nervous system not working properly because of Lyme. That is the biggest symptom of lyme not underfull control without pharmaceuticals drugs.
Posted May 26, 2018 by Bethany Wing 2100
There are literally hundreds of possible symptoms with Lyme.
Many start with flu-like symptoms: fever, aches, weird rash(es).
I had 87 symptoms by the time I was properly diagnosed.
Many start with flu-like symptoms: fever, aches, weird rash(es).
I had 87 symptoms by the time I was properly diagnosed.
Posted Feb 1, 2020 by Lori 2550
Extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headache, short-term memory loss, poor concentration, stomach problems, etc.
Posted Dec 16, 2021 by José 7770
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Neurologic and artriticos
Posted Feb 26, 2017 by achita 500
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Neurologic and arthralgia.
Posted Feb 26, 2017 by Achita 1050
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
The chronic pain and the neuropatias, are what upsets more functional life. To be the bacteria on the nervous system, there is irritability and depreciation which becomes a vicious circle of not poderte lift and the deprecion that cause.
Bring the feeling of body aches all the time.
Bring the feeling of body aches all the time.
Posted Feb 28, 2017 by Leva Méndez 3122
Translated from french
Improve translation
joint pain
brain in the fog
brain in the fog
Posted Mar 6, 2017 by laurence 1000
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
The fatigue of chronic
Loss of sleep
Lessons in the body
Loss of sleep
Lessons in the body
Posted Mar 10, 2017 by Erika 400
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Pain in joint inflammation . Fevers . Tiredness. Fatigue . Neuropathies . Bell's palsy .Candidas . Coeinfecciones associated with the lyme .
There you go eliminating symptoms in as they affect the patient . Without a doubt solve the most urgent , if there is neurological involvement this would be the first thing .
There you go eliminating symptoms in as they affect the patient . Without a doubt solve the most urgent , if there is neurological involvement this would be the first thing .
Posted Mar 23, 2017 by Fátima Marrero campos 1264
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Joint pain, neuropathy, fatigue, and chronic fatigue, foggy brain, dizziness, nausea, changes in blood pressure, vivid dreams, insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches, stomach problems, mood swings, paranoia, cardiovascular problems, numbness of extremities, etc
Posted Apr 29, 2017 by Andrea Díaz 850
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Lyme disease has many symptoms, mainly:
-extreme fatigue, disabling
-weakness and tremor
-cognitive problems, and of understanding
-memory problems,
-speech problems
-sensitivity to light, sound and heat. Vision and hearing blurred and distorted.
-dizziness and imbalance
-stomach pain and numerous food intolerances
-insomnia
-sore joints and constant cramps in the upper area of the back
-sores and canker sores in the mouth
-fungi
-anxiety and depression
-extreme fatigue, disabling
-weakness and tremor
-cognitive problems, and of understanding
-memory problems,
-speech problems
-sensitivity to light, sound and heat. Vision and hearing blurred and distorted.
-dizziness and imbalance
-stomach pain and numerous food intolerances
-insomnia
-sore joints and constant cramps in the upper area of the back
-sores and canker sores in the mouth
-fungi
-anxiety and depression
Posted Aug 23, 2017 by Cecilia 2263
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Fatigue, joint pain, memory loss, muscle aches, moodiness, depression, cardiovascular abnormalities, paralysis, loss of speech momentary, etc.......
Posted Sep 12, 2017 by N6 2550
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
It is a disease that produces different symptoms, the most frequent are neurological manifestations and the type osteoarthritic.
Posted Sep 13, 2017 by mora de La Plata 1500
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
tiredness
arthritis (pain, stiffness)
neuropatias
paralysis
paresthesias
sleep problems
arthritis (pain, stiffness)
neuropatias
paralysis
paresthesias
sleep problems
Posted Sep 15, 2017 by Emiliano Ignacio Rodriguez 2500
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Tiredness
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Loss of memory
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Loss of memory
Posted Sep 27, 2017 by Amparochiqui 2000
Translated from french
Improve translation
Joint pain, burning feet,headache, abdominal pain, leg crippled,Pain in the knees,nausea,
Translated from french
Improve translation
The neuropathies and the major fatigue..
And joint pain stiffness morning
And joint pain stiffness morning
Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Goncalves 100
Translated from french
Improve translation
Evil in the body as if one was pouring acid in my veins, sore joints (feet, inches, knees), headache.
Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Marie-Pierre 1000
Translated from french
Improve translation
Brain fog
Disorder concentration
Disorder of motor function /forms of motor disabilities
Intense pain and diffuse
Various disorders of the digestion
Chronic Fatigue intence
Pain in the brain and cervical
Skin reactions
Tetany muscle
Stiffness and joint pain
Chilliness intence without fever
Impatience of the legs
Nausea
Disorder concentration
Disorder of motor function /forms of motor disabilities
Intense pain and diffuse
Various disorders of the digestion
Chronic Fatigue intence
Pain in the brain and cervical
Skin reactions
Tetany muscle
Stiffness and joint pain
Chilliness intence without fever
Impatience of the legs
Nausea
Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Linda 1000
Translated from french
Improve translation
- Chronic pain (joint and muscle) migrant.
- Physical fatigue (and moral caused by the denial of medical)
- The symptoms in cognitive and neurodegenerative (loss of balance, headache, sensitivity to light, difficulty in concentration, loss of memory.
- Physical fatigue (and moral caused by the denial of medical)
- The symptoms in cognitive and neurodegenerative (loss of balance, headache, sensitivity to light, difficulty in concentration, loss of memory.
Posted Oct 2, 2017 by Aurore 1000
Translated from french
Improve translation
Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Lymphadenopathy bilateral jugulo-carotid,
Asthenia,
And pain neurological....
Lymphadenopathy bilateral jugulo-carotid,
Asthenia,
And pain neurological....
Posted Oct 2, 2017 by Yas 1000
